Canyon County events: Hands of Hope plans gala celebration Aug. 28

To note its 100th international shipment of medical supplies to needy areas of the world, the Hands of Hope Northwest Inc. is planning a major celebration, with a jazz and gospel music concert and an exciting silent auction, on Friday, Aug. 28, at the Nampa Civic Center.

According to Executive Director Debbie Wheeler, the evening will begin at 6 p.m. in the auditorium, with bidding on such treasures as handmade quilts, Longaberger theme baskets, a gourmet dessert, a fly-fishing trip and gift certificates.

At 7 p.m. the High Street Band will be performing. Events Coordinator James Brown of the Civic Center said tickets for the concert and auction cost $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for children 12 and younger. Call the Civic Center at 468-5500 to reserve seats, or go online at nampaciviccenter.com.

The emcee will be Michelle Edmonds from Channel 6.

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Wheeler says that volunteers are always welcome at the Hands of Hope, which is a faith-based, not-for-profit corporation, located at 1201 S. Powerline Road. It was founded in 1992 by Sharon Griffith from the College Church of the Nazarene, and in the ensuing years, shipments have gone to areas devastated by storms, illness and other tragedies, such as the Philippines, New Guinea, Pakistan, Haiti, Nigeria and India. Small shipments have aided Canyon County organizations such as Hope House, WITCO, Love Inc. and the Terry Reilly Health Center.

Community groups, clubs, schools, businesses and individuals are needed to help with sorting, packaging, minor equipment repair, clerical work, data entry and other tasks.

The 100th shipment carried a variety of medical equipment to Moldova, an impoverished country in the former Soviet Union that has a high number of orphans and needy people.

The organization also loans medical equipment to local residents, including bath chairs, wheelchairs, canes, crutches and electric hospital beds. For information about this program, call 461-1473.

WOMEN’S VOCAL GROUP TO HOLD AUDITIONS

The Musettes, a nonprofit women’s singing group that has been performing for more than 55 years in this area, will hold auditions Thursday, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the New Direction Baptist Church, 1417 3rd St. S., Nampa. All ages are invited to join this fun chorus.

The group rehearses August through May and offers a Christmas program and a spring concert, as well as singing at local club meetings, the Nampa Festival of Trees and other events.

For more information, or to set up an audition, call Nancy at 455-9012.

PUBLIC INVITED TO EVENT IN LAKEVIEW PARK TODAY

The 29th annual two-day Nampa Festival of the Arts continues today from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Lakeview Park, 1304 7th St. N. Admission is free and there will be art for sale, concessions, crafts, children’s activities and entertainment, including Terry and the Dreambenders from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; Zumba from 12:30 to 1 p.m.; Soul Patch from 1:15 to 2:30 p.m.; and Blues Howlers from 2:45 to 4 p.m.

This exceptional event should not be missed, and will be the biggest local art show ever, according to Administration Director Jennifer Vanderpool.

CALDWELL FARMERS MARKET OFFERS FRESH VEGGIES, SAUCES AND BAKED GOODS

The busy Caldwell Farmers Market, which is now on Arthur Street, between Kimball and 7th avenues, opens at 3 p.m. Wednesdays, and most vendors will be selling their local fruits, vegetables, plants, sauces and baked goods until 7 p.m.

Area artisans also display their wood crafts, candles, soaps and jewelry. The market accepts debit cards. For more information, visit the website at caldwellidfarmersmarket.com.

Marie D. Galyean is a journalist and freelance writer who has lived in Canyon County for more than 40 years. Do you have any news about West Treasure Valley people, events and other subjects of interest? Email your ideas and stories to: riedevine@cableone.net.